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I have hard water - same as @Aquarium Gardens. We need more CO2 than folk with softer water, and growth on some species can be challenging. However, the trade off in terms of saving time, water, energy and cost makes the decision quite easy not to use RO.
These days I encourage beginners interested in aquascaping to stick with easy plants, low-moderate light and CO2 injection. This is a trifecta of guaranteed success in my experience! :D
Hi all,
I've started a new podcast on aquascaping if you're interested!
https://anchor.fm//georgefarmer
Feedback and ideas for future episodes and seasons welcome.
Also I have a new website. https://www.georgefarmerstudios.com
Cheers,
George
I believe good substrate maintenance is essential for long-term aquascape success.
A lot of waste production (from bacteria and plants, as well as the usual fish/inverts) accumulates over time - even with the best filtration/circulation and plant growth.
I do not vacuum specifically, but wave...
I used to be quite active on ASW, back when Jurijs and John were admin. Obviously after UKAPS forum was formed I spend most of my effort here and didn't go on there much.
I have huge respect for Shawn Mac, the current admin, and it's a shame it seems to being dying off.
I wish them all the...
You're welcome.
Yes, there's always conflicting information because there are many ways to achieve positive results.
My advice is to find one method used by one reputable person and stick with that, rather than using/mixing individual elements from various sources. That can lead to confusion...
Hi Paul. What size is the aquarium?
Period of no light after planting?
Light from Day 0. 7 hours a day, as long as CO2 is up to spec.
Initial light intensity and period (low initial intensity? 1 bulb, 5 or 6 hours?)
Depending on tank size and your planting, but 1-2 tubes. 7 hours.
Initial...
Your plants may be ok for up to 2 weeks without decent light. Depends on species. Even if they're struggling by the point you get new lights, they will hopefully recover. Good luck.
I think it a was an old blog that I wrote on the previous PFK website. It's been totally updated since then because they were hacked so all the old links are broken. Sorry.
I literally cried into my girlfriend arms this morning at 530am.
He helped make me the man I am today. Without his work I have no idea what I'd be doing with my life right now. "Inspirational" doesn't come close.
So sad I never met him to thank him in person.
Hi all,
I think it's an interesting move, and one that may have been brought about by feedback regarding a somewhat recent 'diorama' backlash. If so, I think that's good...
A point of note. When I judged the 2008 AGA contest, with Amano on the panel too, his favourite 'scape was a diorama...
TGM decided not to re-new their sponsorship. They did not say why.
Please don't make assumptions and criticise their pricing policy on UKAPS. If you take issue with them, do so with them directly.
Cheers
George
Guys,
I've deleted the last few posts because I don't want this thread to descend into personal insults. You know the rules. If you don't, please read them. They're posted at the top of every page.
Please post in a constructive manner.
Cheers
George
Hi all,
With the end of 2013 fast approaching I thought it would be interesting to share our personal planted tank and aquascaping highlights from the year.
They can be anything from your own successful 'scapes, breeding fish, beating algae, new kit, new plants etc.
Mine was setting up my...
+1 on the low PAR, especially the NA-Green. I had more PAR over same tank using 25w LED.
They look bright because our eyes are most sensitive to green, but there's relatively little blue/red which is responsible for PAR.
Scape looks great though, despite lack of consistent maintenance.
There...
Yes, credit card is great for getting between substrate and glass (perfect for preventing BGA), but I find sometimes the algae build-up at and just above the substrate can be very stubborn. The stainless steel blade of the scraper I linked makes it a bit easier and in shallow tank you don't...
Hi Darrell
How do you think the O2 is produced? By separating the O from the H2O using electrolysis?
Cyano does pearl too. I've had it myself (insert puking noise here).
Hi Dominic
I took the liberty of checking out your earlier posts to see your level of experience, so my advice would be appropriate.
So as a newcomer to aquascaping with a non-CO2 system my biggest tip would be to understand that you will need patience.
Find an aquascape you love that's...
Good points, NatureBoy. :)
What I see is an interesting product that seems have some benefits. Sure, we've only seen them on nice scapes so far, but it's still useful to see.
But yes, it is clever marketing also.
Interesting point, Luis.
Personally I'm prepared to try new stuff without fully understanding it.
Heck, I still don't fully understand so much about this amazing hobby. That's a massive part of its appeal for me and certainly nothing to be fearful of.
I thank folk like Viktor for trying out...
Hi Nathaniel
I have a huge amount of respect for Viktor (and Dave Chow) and believe this unit does something, even though we don't know how.
To post such a flippant insinuation is a little disrespectful to the work that Viktor has done and shared with us here on UKAPS.
A colleague in the industry is also sure it isn't ozone.
They are hopefully getting one to test. Apparently with two simple experiments they'll find out how it works for certain.
Unfortunately they won't tell me more than that, but if I find out more I'll let you know.
ADA is perceived as the most premium and luxury aquascaping brand available - a yardstick by which others are measured, so it's only natural that similar products that cost less will be discussed.
If I find a product that I see as equal in terms of quality, and good value, then I'm certainly...
Hi Nathaniel,
No, I never said I was selling my TMC Signature.
But I did say I was getting an NA.
And I did say I couldn't afford an ADA.
My (affording ADA) comments were tongue-in-cheek. I'll try to make it clearer in future. :)
Also consider the 60x30x45 TMC Signature.
The shallower 30cm height makes it much easier to maintain, easier to provide good circulation, better light at the substrate and more opportunity for exposed wood and emergent plants. I'm also not sure if the 60x45x45 is available in clear silicone -...
I have to say, if I were plagued with algae and all else failed (addressing lighting, CO2, circulation, maintenance, ferts) then I would buy one.
It maybe hard to find how it works in fear of 3rd party rip-offs.
Sounds like you have a good set-up so your choice could be more related to aesthetics rather than easiness.
Think about your aquascape and what plant suits it best.
E. parvula is faster growing and easier than E. mini. It's probably one of the easiest carpeting plants commonly available.
Hi wet,
Interesting topic. Your title scared me a bit. I thought you were a troll!
I hope to see you more active on here - maybe in a slightly less controversial manner... The more experts the better, and maybe you'll offer something refreshing in terms of advice. :)
Cheers
George
I like to use both active soil (ADA Aqua Soil, TMC nutraSoil etc.) and water column nutrients. This ensures the plants are always well-fed, and if I miss the occasional liquid dose, it does not matter. For epiphytic plants water column nutrients is important too, especially in higher-energy...
Yes. Providing other growing conditions are met. :)
This aquascape is plain quartz gravel.
iwagumi2 by George Farmer, on Flickr
Specialist substrates certainly help, but they're not necessary. Appropriate light, CO2 and other nutrient dosing and delivery, and maintenance are far more...
These are two I did as demonstrations for the visitors at AQUA. :)
Two lucky punters got to take away the whole set-ups at the end of the show, aquascapes included.
There was no official UKAPS involvement. It's just all the aquascapers involved happen to be UKAPS members invited along by the trade.
Sorry for the hijack, Alistair.
Sorry for the diversion but...
Hi Darrel,
Can you explain why I get BBA only on my wood? I assumed it was the wood breaking down (it's very soft) and the organic matter feeding the algae.
Very nice.
Please consider starting a separate thread to do your tank more justice. :)
As a retail employee though, I would ask you politely not directly mention your employer as they are not a UKAPS sponsor.
Keep up the good work. :)
George
It's a great idea. I would be happy to moderate it.
We could keep it really simple with an intro post stating "post a finished full-tank shot of your aquascape and the following details (spec list). Any other posts will be deleted." Or words to that effect.
I personally much prefer inline diffusers. Aesthetics are a priority for me so to eliminate as much equipment from the aquascape as possible is a good thing.
I also find that the CO2 mist created from my Up Aqua inline diffuser is very effective with microbubbles reaching all over the water...
Hi guys,
I'm not sure it is high CO2, as relatively little of the CO2 mist gets distributed all over the tank (compared with a decent inline diffuser and lots of flow), with much of it hitting the surface. Also in Amano's earlier publications where he stated his CO2 levels; they were rarely...
Hi Murf
The tanks in the NA Gallery have been discussed a few times on UKAPS. This is what I wrote last time (extracted from Iain's Asia Dreams journal).
1. Very frequent maintenance. Likely daily. Big maintenance team always on hand to nip any issues in the bud.
2. Low lighting levels. Sure...
Yes, you're best getting there soon after delivery of new stock. The plants tend to die quite quickly in their poorly lit and underfed holding tanks otherwise (unless things have changed in recent months).
Welcome back mate. :D
My word you've a lot to catch up on in the planted tank and aquascaping world. Things move pretty quickly round here. :)
Are you still in Deeping? You're welcome to pop over for a beer and a proper catch-up! :)
Well done mate.
Those that can pursue a successful career in a subject they're passionate about - well that's a great position to be in. I was going to say "lucky", but you've worked your butt off over the last few years, and in this case you've certainly created your own "luck".
I'm really...
Advantages - Looks better especially if complimented with nice gear such as glassware and suspended lighting. Open top gives additional viewing points. Exposed wood and planting add a further sense of nature too. Maintenance is easier.
Disadvantages - Water loss through evaporation and...
Hi Rich and welcome.
I'm pleased you've chosen UKAPS to ask your questions. I can vouch for the quality and consistancy of information from our members.
Have you read this article yet? Setting up a “higher” tech planted tank | UK Aquatic Plant Society
With regards your lighting; do you have...
I won't go into the full story but it is not PFK's fault at all that this year's event is cancelled.
Please stop bashing PFK without knowing the facts.
Aquatics Live 2012 was publicised in PFK; mag and web.
Cheers,
George
I love a happy ending.
A worthwhile thread anyway, especially for other newcomers to the hobby who are inexperienced with mail-order plants, so nothing to be ashamed of.
Hi plantnoob
Your plants look relatively normal to me for brand new plants fresh from shipment. They will soon perk up in the right conditions. Bent stems etc. are to be expected from mail order plants.
If you wish to make a complaint regarding the lack of plant mass then please contact the...
Sorry for your loss.
I assume you've just added the cherry shrimp.
Did you acclimatise the new shrimp? How long for?
How much CO2 are you dosing?
How different was the water chemistry from their origin to your own?
It sounds like they've had a hard time adjusting to their new home.
I've been a huge fan of Norbert's work since the early 00s. One of the best European Nature Aquarium aquascapers there are, and probably partly responsible for Poland and other Eastern European countries being so involved in aquascaping.
Thanks for sharing! :)
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